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Tom Petty once sang, “The waiting is the hardest part.” Nowhere is this truer than at an amusement park or theme park, where lines for the most popular attractions can stretch on for hours. With nothing to do and no place to go, even the most good-natured guests tend to become cranky, impatient and ill-tempered. Next time you’re stuck in a mind-numbing line, some simple diversions and time-passing games can help.

The Art of Distraction

One of the best ways to take your mind off standing in line is to think about something else. If the attraction you’re waiting for is based on a story or movie, chat about it to pass the time, or discuss the history of the park itself, sharing park-based trivia or personal narratives of past trips. If you’re not prepared for a full-length discussion, ask a few rounds of “This or That” questions. For example, ask the members of your party to choose between math or English, coffee or tea, love or money, pens or pencils, kisses or hugs, morning or night, invisibility or telepathy, and so on, and have them explain their answers. When you run out of questions, whip out the park map; decide where you’d like to go next and plan your route.

Take a Break

If the wait for a given attraction is going to last longer than 45 minutes, consider sending one member of your party for food or drinks. Simple snacks, such as popcorn or lollipops, can help pass the time without upsetting anyone’s stomach. Alternatively, buy food items, such as ice cream cones, before getting in line and use the wait as an excuse to enjoy a special treat.

Play a Game

You can think of plenty of games to play while waiting in line, including such low-tech classics as "I Spy" or "20 Questions." When the classics get worn out, try playing "Name that Tune" by humming a song to see who can guess it first, or playing the "Waving Game," a contest in which participants earn points by getting strangers to wave at them. They can smile, wave or gesture to people passing by, but they can't speak to them. Up the ante by offering a small prize to the winner, such as choosing the next activity or deciding where the group will have dinner.

Spend Some Time People Watching

Observe the vast assortment of people at the amusement park. Look for fashion trends: How many men are wearing baseball caps? How many women are wearing sunglasses? Or make up stories involving the people you see. Take turns contributing to the story and see where the plot goes. For shorter waits, choose a person ahead of you in line. Stare at him for 30 seconds, then turn your back and tell the rest of your party everything you can remember about him.

Leave the Gadgets Behind

Tempting as it might be to use digital devices, such as mp3 players, e-readers and tablets at a theme park, it might not be wise to bring them along. They will be left unattended for the duration of most rides and are therefore prone to theft; those who do not leave their devices behind while riding risk damage from jolts, collisions, dropping or water. Besides, you'll find plenty of things to do while waiting in line without the need for electronics.

Disclosure

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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About the Author

Lisa Parris is a writer and former features editor of "The Caldwell County News." Her work has also appeared in the "Journal of Comparative Parasitology," "The Monterey County Herald" and "The Richmond Daily News." In 2012, Parris was honored with awards from the Missouri Press Association for best feature story, best feature series and best humor series.